The House of Representatives has dismissed bribery allegations made by Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, calling them an attempt to discredit Nigerian institutions and public officials.
Gambaryan, who was detained in Nigeria from February to October 2024, claimed in a post on X that certain Nigerian lawmakers solicited substantial bribes in cryptocurrency. He specifically named Peter Akpanke and Philip Agbese among three lawmakers he accused of demanding a $150 million bribe. He also alleged that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu sought significant payouts from Binance for his political ambitions.
Reacting to the claims in a statement on Saturday, February 15, House spokesperson Akin Rotimi insisted the allegations were baseless and targeted at individual lawmakers, not the institution itself.
“As an independent arm of government, the house upholds due process, the rule of law, and constitutional oversight. These allegations, which have been previously circulated last year, are directed at individual members, not the institution itself,” the statement reads.
“The honourable members named have assured the house leadership that they never had any such dealings as reported. One of the members has already instituted legal action to clear his name, while others affected have been encouraged to do the same in pursuit of justice and the protection of their reputations.
“It is also important to highlight that, with the active involvement of both the Nigerian and United States governments, this matter has evolved into a government-to-government engagement.
“Notably, in the course of high-level diplomatic discussions, the federal government of Nigeria has prioritized national interest over external commercial pressure, including rejecting financial settlement offers from Binance. These facts raise serious questions about the credibility and intent of the allegations being peddled.”
The House emphasized that since the matter is now before a court and the subject of ongoing diplomatic engagements, it would refrain from further comment in line with established parliamentary, judicial, and diplomatic principles.
“The house of representatives urges the public to rely on verified facts and not be misled by recycled claims aimed at discrediting Nigerian institutions and public officials. The house remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” Rotimi added.